The ACC officially announced the creation of the ACC Network, set to launch in 2019

Michael McAllister

07/21/2016

ACC commissioner John Swofford officially announced the creation of the ACC Network, which is scheduled to launch in August 2019, during ACC football media days on Thursday.

It's official. The ACC Network is coming in August of 2019.

Commission John Swofford, along with ESPN President John Skipper, took the stage together at ACC football media days to announce the deal. The ACC Network is described as a "comprehensive linear and digital network" by the conference in a press release. The deal is a 20 year deal that runs through 2036, and also extends the ACC's existing rights agreement with ESPN.

"Some of you may be disappointed that I'm not going to be able to do the dance that I've done the last couple of years, dancing around some questions about television," Swofford said. "Yes, after years of discussions and rumors, I'm pleased in the company of our presidents, athletic directors, and a cross-section of the finest coaches in the country to announce a new media agreement with ESPN."

Starting this August, over 600 live events will be available via WatchESPN and the ESPN app. This platform is being called "ACC Network Extra." That number will expand to 900 live events in 2019.

Upon it's launching in August of 2019, the ACC Network will feature 450 exclusive live events including 40 regular season football games, over 150 men's and women's basketball games, and over 200 events from Olympic style sports. The network will also feature a news and information program as well as original programming.

“We look forward to working with our longtime partners at the ACC to create a network that reflects the depth and quality of its athletes and teams, and serves the fans who passionately support them. We are proud and excited to add the ACC Network to our industry-leading college content offerings,” said John Skipper, ESPN President.